Golden Apple, a program helping inspire and mentor teachers, has been working hard to address the teacher shortage in Illinois. They have extended their deadline for the Accelerators program to January 31st, 2023. Golden Apple is working on meeting the teacher shortage crisis by helping provide a path to teaching for non-educators with bachelor’s degrees who want to teach.  

Illinois has an ongoing teacher shortage as does most states in the US. According to a recent report by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents, 88% of school districts reported having a teacher shortage in 2021.  This is up 77% from 2020. 

The Accelerators program is a 15-month teacher residency and licensure program that helps speed up the process of getting teachers in areas of need throughout the state.  This program is geared towards those with bachelor’s degrees and they take courses at a partner university .  Accelerators also receive a value of up to $25,000 for education, the majority of which will be paid directly to the institution of higher education. 

Golden Apple is also looking for applications for its Scholar’s program.  This program helps high school seniors, as well as freshman and sophomore college students in Illinois who have the determination and drive to teach.  Applications to the Scholars program will be accepted through April 1st, 2023.  

Applicants are encouraged to apply at www.goldenapple.org/accelerators and www.goldenapple.org/scholars.